The Bible features only two animals that physically speak: the crafty Serpent in the Garden of Eden and Balaam’s Donkey. However, even without words, several other animals throughout Scripture symbolically tell the Gospel story through their actions and roles.
The story begins with the Serpent, likely coiled around a tree, deceiving Eve with the words: “You surely will not die.” Witnessing that the Serpent appeared unharmed, Eve believes the lie, eats the forbidden fruit, and brings sin into the world.
After Adam and Eve’s fall, God kills an animal to make garments of skin to cover their nakedness (Gen 3:21). Though the type of animal is not specified, this act foreshadows the shedding of blood necessary for the atonement of sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Later, during the story of Noah, whose name means “rest” or “comfort,” we see more animals conveying the Gospel. Noah releases a raven that does not return, and then a dove, which eventually brings back an olive leaf. The dove’s return signifies peace and new life, reflecting the rest and peace Jesus brings to mankind (Mt11:28-29).
Jonah’s encounter with the large fish is another foreshadowing of the Gospel. Swallowed by the fish, Jonah spends three days in its belly before being released, symbolizing Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection on the third day. Jonah’s willingness to give himself up to the sea mirrors Christ’s willing sacrifice for the world (Jn 10:18).
Then there is the rooster’s crow, which reminds Peter of his denial of Jesus three times, leading to repentance (Mt 26:74-75). This moment illustrates the need for forgiveness and grace in the Gospel.
In Numbers 21:8-9, Moses lifts up a bronze serpent on a pole, and those who look at it are healed. This prefigures Jesus being lifted up on the Cross to bring salvation to all who believe in Him (Jn 3:14-15).
Before Jesus’ crucifixion, He rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey, a beast of burden (Mt 21:5). This act signifies Jesus as the ultimate Burden Bearer, taking the sins of the world upon Himself at the Cross.
The Gospel’s story also echoes in the lamb, an animal central to the Old Testament sacrificial system. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29), linking Christ to the Passover lamb whose blood saved the Israelites in Egypt.
Finally, we see the lion as a symbol of Jesus’ kingship. Revelation 5:5 declares Him as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” representing His triumph over sin and death.
The Harvest